The 29 year-old says her mother and grandparents valued her education long before she did.

"I had a pretty great life, thanks to the struggles [my parents and grandparents] went through when times were tougher for Indigenous people.

"My grandfather is Indigenous and he comes from the Gubbi Gubbi people, in the Buderim area. They always told me education was key to moving forward and progress...so it's no wonder that I've ended up in Indigenous support."

In turn, Alethea is now finding herself instilling that message in her students, as she guides them through the tough move from remote Queensland communities to boarding school in the big smoke.

This year Alethea, with the help of some colleagues and friends formed an organisation aimed at engaging Indigenous youth in the arts.